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Watching Billy Elliot Again

I watched this movie for the first time when I was pregnant with J. It made me cry and incredibly happy at the same time. I could imagine having a baby that would spontaneously dance for joy much like Billy. Indeed J was one of those - she could start to dance just about anywhere, anytime as a child. Frequently drawing the attention of an appreciative audience taken up by the cuteness of the moment. 

Even past that phase of her life, nothing made me quite as happy as to see J at her dance performances. The idea of persisting with what you truly value despite insurmountable odds is one that I have a great appreciation for. I wanted to watch this movie with J as a thing to remember before she left for college - maybe there would be some life lessons there for her too.

There are few memories that I will hold as dear in my heart as that moment when we watched that magnificent last scene of Billy Elliot together. It was a deeply emotional moment for both of us. As we cried together and I felt the same goosebumps I did so many years ago. It was deeply gratifying to share with J something so close to my heart, so especially meaningful and to see her understand why.

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